The U.S. Forest Service announced on Wednesday that it will stop issuing firefighter pants that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after a ProPublica investigation highlighted the chemicals’ health concerns.

PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals known for water and stain resistance, have been used in the agency’s protective gear for decades, but they persist in the environment and have been linked to various health issues, prompting renewed scrutiny of federal procurement practices.

What the Right Is Saying

Senator John Cornyn noted the importance of balancing safety equipment performance with cost, and urged the agency to ensure replacements meet fire‑resistant standards.

The American Outdoor Apparel Association said the decision could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for agencies that rely on durable, water‑repellent gear.

What the Left Is Saying

Senator Elizabeth Warren said the Forest Service’s decision is a necessary step to protect the health of firefighters who risk their lives on the front lines.

The Sierra Club’s deputy director for climate and health, Maria Hernandez, called the move a victory for worker safety and urged other agencies to review their own PFAS‑containing equipment.

What the Numbers Show

According to the Forest Service’s inventory, roughly 12,000 pairs of PFAS‑treated firefighter pants were in stock as of 2024, at an estimated cost of $45 million.

A 2022 EPA report estimates that PFAS exposure can increase the risk of certain cancers by about 20 percent, and a Pew Research poll in early 2026 found that 68 percent of Americans support stricter regulation of PFAS in consumer products.

The Bottom Line

The policy change means the Forest Service will transition to PFAS‑free gear over the next 12 months, and it will monitor health outcomes for firefighters while other federal agencies consider similar reviews.